News Discussion

Snow Fairies, Tiny Wonders of Hokkaido

Walking along a snow-covered lakeside path in Hokkaido, you might catch the faint chirping of a bird. Look carefully, and you may spot a tiny white bird hopping from branch to branch — the Shimaenaga, often called the "snow fairy."

About 13 centimeters (5 inches) long, the Shimaenaga is a subspecies of the long-tailed tit (enaga) found across Japan, but it lives only in Hokkaido. Its name comes from its long tail, which resembles the handle of a ladle: e means "handle," and naga means "long."

The Shimaenaga stands out from the common long-tailed tit in appearance. While the enaga has a black stripe around its eyes that looks like eyebrows, the Shimaenaga's head is completely white.

Visible year-round, the Shimaenaga fluffs its feathers in winter to keep warm, transforming into a tiny snowball. Its adorable appearance has made it popular not only with birdwatchers but also with the general public, boosting tourism and the local economy in Hokkaido.

Many people travel to Hokkaido just to catch a glimpse of the Shimaenaga. Moe Nakamura, 26, visiting Tomakomai from Kanagawa Prefecture, said with a smile, "It's my first time here, so I was lucky to see one. It was perfectly round and irresistibly cute."

At Craft Studio, a miscellaneous goods store, plush toys and handmade items featuring the Shimaenaga are displayed prominently along the aisles. The store began carrying these items eight years ago, and now the lineup includes around 100 different products.

Near JR Sapporo Station, the Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo offers a Snow Fairy–themed room. Previously a limited-time attraction, the Shimaenaga room is now available year-round. Surrounded by plush toys, themed wallpaper, and books on the bird, visitors can also learn about wild birds and Hokkaido's natural environment, according to hotel staff.

In the Ainu language, the Shimaenaga is called "Upashichiri," meaning "snow bird." In the northern lands, where harsh winters stretch on, even a brief encounter with this charming little bird can warm the heart.

1. 1. branch 枝
   The small bird sat on a low branch and looked for something to eat.
2. 2. transform 変化する
   The old office building was transformed into a stylish business hotel.
3. 3. economy 経済
   The city worked to improve the economy by supporting small shops.
4. 4. available 利用可能な
   The store manager said the meeting room is available after lunch.
5. 5. environment 環境
   We should protect the environment by reducing garbage at home.

1. 1. Where can the Shimaenaga be found in Japan?
2. 2. Why do people travel to Hokkaido to see the Shimaenaga?
3. 3. What special room does the Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo offer?
4. 4. How can wildlife tourism help local communities?
5. 5. What are good ways to protect nature while enjoying traveling?

雪の積もった湖畔の道を歩く。耳を澄ますとかすかに「ジュリリ、ジュリリ」と鳥の鳴き声が聞こえる。

目をこらし、枝から枝へ飛び移る白い小さな鳥を見つけた。「雪の妖精」とも呼ばれるシマエナガだ。

全長は13センチほど。本州など日本全国に生息するエナガの亜種で、北海道にのみ生息している。尾が柄杓（ひしゃく）の柄のように長いことから、その名がつけられた。

エナガとの違いはその見た目。エナガが目の周りに眉毛のような黒い帯状の模様があるのに対し、シマエナガは頭部が真っ白だ。

年間を通じてみられるが、冬は寒さから身を守るため羽毛をふくらませて、雪玉のようになる。その愛くるしさからバードウォッチャー以外にも、広く人気が高まり、道内の観光や経済にも貢献している。

シマエナガを一目見ようと北海道を訪れる人も多い。相模原市から苫小牧市を訪れた中村萌恵さん（26）は「初めての挑戦で見られて幸運でした。まん丸で、たまらないかわいさでした」と笑顔で話した。

新千歳空港（千歳市）では、シマエナガ関連のお土産が目につくようになった。

雑貨などを扱う「クラフトスタジオ」では、通路に面した「一等地」にシマエナガのぬいぐるみや手作り雑貨などを並べている。8年前から扱い始めたが、今では100種類ほどのラインアップになったという。

JR札幌駅近くの「京王プラザホテル札幌」（札幌市中央区）はシマエナガ仕様の特別な部屋を期間限定で設置していたが、今年から通年に切り替えた。ぬいぐるみや壁紙、書籍に囲まれる一室で、担当者は「かわいらしさを楽しんでもらった上で、野鳥など北海道の自然についても知ってもらいたい」と話す。

アイヌの言葉ではシマエナガを「ウパシチリ」と呼ぶ。「雪の鳥」の意だ。

厳しい冬が長く続く北の大地。ふとした瞬間、こんなにも愛らしい小鳥に出会えたら、心が少し温かくなりそうだ。